The recently concluded X30 Asia Cup conducted at the Sri Lanka Karting circuit concluded on a high note with accolades pouring in from across the world.

The Commission Internationale de Karting / Federation Internationale De L’Automibile (CIK/FIA) accredited track is being hailed as the best in Asia and possibly the world. The winner of the Veteran category and CEO of an international Bank in Malaysia Mr. Lung Nien Lee said, “I think it’s a world class circuit, I’ve been karting for over 7 years and have raced all over the world and it appears to me that (the company) has done a fabulous job in terms of infrastructure, in terms of quality of material used and in view of circuit design. You’ve got fast corners, elevation, undulation, camber. I have never driven on a track that has all these elements in one circuit. It is truly exceptional “

Echoing this sentiment Mr. Marco Moretti, Marketing Head IAME Italy, the manufacturers of karting engines and the creators of the X30 series said, “We were not expecting to witness possibly the best Karting facility ever seen in Asia, if not in the worldâ€.

Over 40 international drivers along with their mechanics and team managers participated in the event, which saw the best driver in five categories fighting it out on possibly one of the most challenging karting tracks in operation today.

Prior to the race weekend, Minister of Sports Mr. Dayasiri Jayasekera, Chairman of David Pieris Group of Companies Mr. David Pieris, MD/CEO of David Pieris Racing and Leisure Private Limited Mr. Dinesh Jayasundera, MD of David Pieris Motor Company Limited Mr. Rohana Dissanayke and President of the Ceylon Motor Sports Club Mr. Niroshan Pereira declared open the new track. Speaking on the occasion the Minister said, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. David Pieris who is the brainchild behind this project. He and his company spent their own money to bring international standards of karting to Sri Lanka as well as constructing a fascinating track without a cent from the government. We will give our fullest support to popularize the sport everywhere in the country and to set up more tracks like this.â€

The excitement and adrenaline pumping finals were viewed by over 1,000 local motorsports enthusiasts, who were on their feet as Sri Lankan drivers did the country proud at the first international race to be hosted here. Sri Lankan born Yevan David driving under a Singapore license took the chequered flag for the Cadet category, while Eshan Pieris missed out by split seconds to take second place to his nemesis Prassetyo Hardja in the Senior Category. Dinesh Pathirana took third in Master category while Shyamal Mendis came in fourth in the Veteran class.

Speaking after the event, an elated Dinesh Jayasundera, CEO of DP Racing & Leisure (Private) Ltd. (DPRL) said, “I believe we have shown Asia and the rest of the karting world that we have the facilities and expertise to pull off karting races and events which are truly second to none. This was only possible due to the untiring efforts of many from within the David Pieris Group who brought their expertise in IT, logistics, technical and mechanical skills and more to make this track a reality in just 6 months. I am also grateful to the Ceylon Motor Sports Club who helped organise this event as well as AutoInc Singapore and RL Karting Malaysia who helped and guided us throughout. I must say a special word of thanks to all the Government agencies, the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Tourism, local government bodies, customs, police, the medical team from the Colombo South Teaching Hospital Kalubowila and immigration department who went beyond the call of duty to ensure the international drivers, mechanics were not inconvenienced and that importation and exportation of kart and other equipment for the event was painless. This had been of some concern prior to the event but due to the efforts of all these organisations, the drivers are now eager to return for more races.â€

The Sri Lanka karting circuit is now open for rental operations providing the opportunity for karting enthusiasts to experience a professional motorsports facility to practice. A fleet of rental karts and safety gear is also available for anyone from 7 years and above who wants to try out the sport or simply have fun. Other leisure activities such as rifle shooting, swimming pool (including kiddies pool), pool table and restaurant facilities are available for individuals or corporate events.